March 5, 2016

Studying in the UK has been pretty great, however the gloomy weather has been a STRUGGLE. I can't lie I need Vitamin D bad and have been on the verge of binge buying Wowcher trips to Malta to get out of the cold. Luckily I will be heading to India in a few short days where the sun awaits. My group of friends here and I are planning for a summer trip to Greece in June right before we have to hunker down to work on our dissertations. A trip to the beautiful beaches of Greece means that it is officially almost swimsuit season and I am in need of a new one.

March 1, 2016

Here in Newcastle Winter seems to be lasting forever and my skin has taken a hit. I recently had to write an article on getting glowing skin for my School's Newspaper The Courier and I thought I would share that article here. Achieving glowing skin isn’t impossible you too can have skin that looks like it has been airbrushed to perfection. It just takes a solid routine, some go-to products, and a positive can do attitude.Step 1. Hydrate
The first, and most important step to achieving a sparkling complexion is super simple, H2O
Beauty comes from the inside out so we have to treat our inner self just as well as our outer. What we put into our bodies effects the outside of our bodies, so if you are feeling your skin is looking extra dull and dry ask yourself if you are getting enough water.Step 2. Cleanse
It is key to make sure to wash the day away from your skin, luckily there are so many options for cleansing that you can find multiple options that work for you. Make sure to really scrub with some kind of electronic brush like a Clarisonic it gets below the surface for a complete cleanse. Dr. Bronner’s castile soap is all natural and mixed with a little water it clears the dirt away without being too harsh on your skin. Cleansing waters are a big trend right now and they are also a lazy person’s bestfriend because you don’t have to rinse it, just slap some on a cotton pad and go to town. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is an affordable option. Cleansing oil is great if you subscribe to full face glam makeup on the daily; these oils break down your makeup for easy removal. L'Occitane Immortelle Oil Make-up Remover and Boscia Makeup-Breakup Cool Cleansing Oil are wonderful oils.

Step 3. Exfoliate/Mask
This is a step that isn’t needed every day, only about 2-3 times a week depending on what your skin is up to. Lush Cup O’ Coffee smells amazing and helps remove any dry flaky skin; you can also use this scrub on your body. Lush has a plethora of masks options and are pretty affordable as well, I recommend BB Seaweed for baby soft skin.Step 4. Tone
This is a step that a lot of people forget to do but it is essential if you want to clear up your complexion. Toners help to brighten and even out your skin by lifting imperfections from the depths of your pores. Toners come in many strength levels and can be drying depending on the strength. They make toner for every type of skin so just make sure that you read reviews or YouTube your favourite guru for suggestions. Pixi Glow Tonic is a great one because it is oil and alcohol free so your face won’t scream when you apply it.

Step 5. Moisturize
Last but certainly not least is moisturize, especially in the winter when the cold and wind are hammering away at your face. Make sure you add a little sunscreen if what you are using does not have in it. Neutrogena Hydro gel is light and your skin will say thank you after using it, it is instant moisture. If you like to go au natural, try coconut oil! Coconut oil is magic and helps protect your skin from the elements, you’ll also smell super yummy.